“What?”

She only said a few words, but Cassian had noticed everything she felt. Knowing that Yernia didn’t ask about it because she hadn’t heard anything, Cassian simply stared at Yernia as if it was up to her whether she would like to share it or not.

“W—What are you talking about?”

Yernia wasn’t bold enough, to tell the truth even if her jealous heart had already confirmed it. In addition, Cassian’s unexpected words compelled her to deny it no matter what. Still holding Yernia’s chin, Cassian let out a dark chuckle. His lazy smile reminded Yernia of a wild animal that had spotted prey right in front of him. Even his deep blue eyes sparkled with mirth.

“You’re feigning ignorance.”

“…….”

“Now I know.”

“What do you know?”

The hand cradling her chin fell down but Yernia’s gaze was still glued to Cassian.

“I don’t want to talk about it. I want to hear it from you.”

Her heart dropped with a thud and Yernia lowered her head, avoiding his scrutiny. Earlier, all the letters she had written were a mess, representing Yernia’s feelings the moment she saw Cassian and Herena together. Yernia crumpled them in hopes of hiding it.

***

Yernia couldn’t sleep when night came. Miya, whom she hadn’t met in a long time, looked at her in surprise.

“Did you have a nightmare, My Lady?”

“My life is a nightmare.”

“What are you talking about?”

Yernia was telling her the truth. How could she explain this feeling?

“Miya, I have a crush on someone.”

As she stood there in front of Yernia while holding the powder, Miya’s hand stopped. Noticing the exhaustion on her lady’s face, she forgot her duty for a moment and asked back.

“Someone, you like?”

“Yes.”

“Oh, my God.” Miya sighed, covering her mouth with her palm. Unlike her exclamations, she didn’t look that shocked.

“I knew you would say that. It was an arranged marriage. You don’t really love the Marquis so it made sense.”

Being attracted to someone other than one’s husband was horrible. That would get in the way of establishing a tight-knit family. Cassian and Yernia’s marriage might have been arranged from the start but cheating was never justifiable. However, Miya didn’t want to blame Yernia. She might have feigned confidence but in truth, she wasn’t that thick-skinned. Most of all, Maya was a bit worried that Yernia would act on her desires someday without warning.

“It’s——- I have a problem.”

“What is it?”

“The person I like… It’s———-” She hesitated to spill his name for a long time. Was it really that difficult to say his name? Yernia found out for the first time, too.

“Please raise your head, My Lady. I have to put some makeup on you.”

“Alright.”

“I miss talking to you since you’ve been in the military camp for a long time. Still, I didn’t expect you to have this concern.”

Yernia sighed inwardly. Miya came to the Duke’s house not long ago. The Count, who was worried about what happened on the battlefield, wanted to visit her person, but he sent her maid to them instead so as not to bother them when she and Cassian had just arrived. Thinking about visiting her parents soon, Yernia closed her eyes as Miya started with the application.

“Is he a commoner, My Lady?”

“No.”

“Is he married?”

“Hm.”

Miya halted her movements, making Yernia open her eyes. The second she saw her frown, she could tell what she was imagining.

“Yes. He’s married.”

“Who is it?”

“We… see each other every day.”

There was only one man who was with Yernia every single day.

Eyes wide, Miya asked back.  “You mean, the Marquis?”

Yernia wanted to hide in a rat hole. She pressed an index finger to her lips and nodded, urging her to be quiet.

“Oh, my God.”

“…….”

“That’s great!”

Miya, who doesn’t show her feelings that much, seemed genuinely happy. ‘Was she that pleased?’ Yernia’s brows furrowed in confusion.

“I hope it’s just a dream.”

“Why? You’re already married. It’s a good thing.”

“I mean, it’s definitely not part of  the plan.”

Yernia murmured sadly. Her initial plan was to give Cassian to Herena once she appeared, and then she would find her own life after divorcing Cassian. Of course, in the process, she had to witness Herena’s name appear on Cassian’s skin and see him fall in love with his true fate at first sight but—————

“Do you know where I’m going now?”

“Um… no?” Miya responded.

Yernia had to look for a place to stay and it wouldn’t be for her.